Afghanistan, Turkmenistan discuss transport corridors

KABUL (Pajhwok): Diplomats from Afghanistan and Turkmenistan have discussed the creation of transport corridors between the two countries.

Khan Wali Khan Basharmal, Afghan ambassador to Turkmenistan met Overzov Bayramgeldi Orazgeldiyevich, deputy chairman of the Turkmen cabinet for transport and communication via a video call.

Basharmal talked about the opportunities and challenges in the areas of trade, transaction, land and air corridors, the Afghan embassy in Ashgabat said.

At the meeting, the ambassador highlighted Afghan traders’ suggestions including the launch of bus services between Herat and Mary, Ashgabat and Aqina and Mary and Ashgabat.

The two sides agreed on considering further facilitation in terms of visas, logistics and travel between the two nations, a statement from the embassy said.

Basharmal stressed the need for an air corridor for airlifting products and passengers between Kabul, Herat and Ashgabat.

The Turkmen side promised cooperation in this regard after an end to coronavirus restrictions, the statement added.

The importance of bilateral trade and further development of the Lapis Lazuli Trade and Transit Corridor — connecting Afghanistan to Europe through Turkmenistan — also came up for discussion..

Orazgeldiyevich expressed his country’s interest in a stable and peaceful Afghanistan. Through joint projects like TAPI-TAP and Lapis Lazuli, mutual goals could be achieved, he believed.

He hoped Turkmenistan would eventually reduce transport costs for Afghanistan. The third pilot shipment through the Lapis Lazuli Trade and Transit Corridor was also discussed.

pr/mud

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